USA Pro Cycling Challenge: Timmy Duggan, Stage 7 Time Trial

When the time trials for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge started yesterday in Denver, at least three riders had legitimate chances to win the overall race. Reigning USA Pro Cycling Challenge champion, Levi Leipheimer, roared into the final stage yesterday with the yellow jersey on his back and a chance to keep his title. The Tour de France's best young rider, Tejay Van Garderen, was a favorite after a stage win on Mount Crested Butte. And then there was Christian Vande Velde. He finished second in last year's inaugural race, and all week seemed to be riding second wheel to Van Garderen (even though they kept the same time throughout the race).

The three riders were the final three on the course. Christian Vande Velde made up 21 seconds on Van Garderen in the 9.8-mile Mile High City tour and rode away with the final yellow jersey of the week.

STAGE 7 SUMMARY: Timmy Duggan's best effort came in Stage 6 as he climbed through the Boulder/Nederland playground that he calls home. As he rolled into Denver on Sunday afternoon, his fan club followed. You couldn't miss them in their bright green T-shirts. Duggan rolled off the time trial start to a blast of cheers and clapping, but it turned out to be another fellow Boulderite's day: Taylor Phinney posted a 17:25 time on the Denver course that remained untouched for the remainder of the day. Duggan crossed the line in 18:55 seconds. With all the times lumped together, the 29-year-old Duggan finished 21st out of 95 competing cyclists.